Alexander of Bergamo

Alexander of Bergamo (died 26 Augsut 303) was a centurion of the Theban Legion under Saint Maurice, and he was a Christian like his commander. During Diocletian's persecution of Christians, he had the legion decimated, and Alexander was among the survivors. He fled to Mediolanium (Milan), where he was imprisoned after being recognized as a Christian. Alexander refused to renounce his faith, and Fidelis of Como and Bishop Maternus helped him in briefly escaping to Como. Alexander was recaptured and sentenced to decapitation, but the executioner had stiff arms, and he could not kill him. He escaped to Bergomum (Bergamo) from Mediolanium, and he became a preacher there, converting many of the natives (such as Firmus and Rusticus) to Christianity. He would be captured and decapitated on 26 August 303 due to his preaching of Christianity.